Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Background Scripture
Background Scripture
1 Samuel 8-11, 15
Story Summary
Story Summary
In the last lesson, we learned about how Samuel was set apart by his mother, Hannah, to the Lord's service. Samuel continued to hear from God and became a trusted leader of the Israelites because of his relationship with God.
But as Samuel got older, the people were not as impressed with his two sons, Joel and Abijah. His sons accepted bribes, were only interested in making money, and did evil things. So, the people rebelled against the idea of them taking over after Samuel died. What's interesting to think about is that Samuel was raised under Eli as a father figure, and so he didn't exactly have a good role model of what a father should look like. Unfortunately, it seems that he followed the same pattern Eli did as a father, and ended up with the same results...
The Israelites saw the problem, but their solution was to appoint a king over them, just like the other people groups around them. Samuel warned them that they wouldn't like the outcome. This king would end up oppressing them, taking their sons and daughters and putting them into service, and he would require payment of taxes. Basically, they would regret asking for a King. But the people didn't listen and said they wanted a king anyway. Samuel asked God what to do, and God told Samuel to give the people what they wanted.
So now we are introduced to Saul, who would become Israel's first king. Saul was an impressive, handsome young man, strong and a head taller than anyone else in Israel. He was the kind of guy you would assume would become a king one day.
Saul and his servant were roaming around the countryside, looking for some donkeys that escaped from his father. They came across Samuel and asked him if he could tell them where his donkeys were. God had told Samuel the day before to expect someone from the tribe of Benjamin and that he would be anointed the king of Israel. So, when Saul and his servant came to visit him, he knew exactly what to do. He anointed Saul by pouring olive oil over his head. This was a symbol that this person was called by God for a specific task. God's spirit came upon Saul in power and he was a changed man.
Not everyone in Israel was excited that Saul was the choice to be king. But after Saul led them to victory in battle against the Ammonites, they agreed and formally made Saul their king by having a great big party.
Unfortunately, Saul didn't exactly obey God while he was king. There were two instances of disobedience that made God remove his favor from Saul as king. First, Saul made an offering to the Lord himself instead of waiting for Samuel. We don't know exactly why this was such a big deal, but the Bible makes it clear that this was in direct disobedience to God's command (you can read this story in 1 Samuel 13:1-15).
Also, Saul was commanded to attack the Amalekites and was given strict instructions on how to handle them (they were kill every living being and not spare anything). Saul didn't obey. So Samuel told Saul that God had taken the kingdom of Israel away from him.
Activities
Activities
Activity 1 "King Saul Crown Craft"
Activity 1 "King Saul Crown Craft"
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials needed from the cart (varies based on the game you choose):
Construction Paper for Crown
Construction Paper for shapes
Glue
Scissors
Get the details by clicking here!
Directions Click here for step by step instructions with pictures.
Cut a strip of construction paper for the headband.
Lay the headband flat on the table. Glue or tape triangles to the back of the headband. Create designs with different sizes and colors of triangles.
Decorate the crown with paper shapes, crayons or markers, and self-adhesive dots or other decorations.
Tape it together to fit each childs head. You can add more paper if you need a larger crown.
Activity 2 "Redlight Greenlight"
Activity 2 "Redlight Greenlight"
Time: 10 minutes
Materials needed from the cart (varies based on the game you choose):
None
Get the details by clicking here!
Directions
The Stoplight will stand at one end of the game area at least 20 feet from the other players. All the other players line up facing the stoplight.
On a green light the players can move towards the stoplight, but on a red light the players must stop and not get caught moving.
To begin the stoplight will face away from the other players and say "green light". The players will move carefully toward the stoplight.
At any time the stoplight can yell "Red Light!" and quickly turn around to face the players. All players must stop moving. If any are caught moving the stoplight will call them out and they are out of the game.
Then the stoplight says "green light!" and turns away from the players again. The first player to touch the stoplight without getting caught moving wins and they are the new stoplight. If there are no players that reach the stoplight then the stoplight can choose to be the stoplight again or pick another players to take their place.
Activity 3 "Cheeri-obey necklace, craft, and game"
Activity 3 "Cheeri-obey necklace, craft, and game"
Time: 20 minutes
Materials needed from the cart (varies based on the game you choose):
Cheerios
String
Glue
Construction paper
Get the details by clicking here!
Necklaces
Give each child string and a plate full of cheerios and have them make a cheerio necklace. Talk about how we can cheerfully obey God in our live.
Craft
Give each child a piece of construction paper of the color of their choice. Using liquid glue, spell out the word "OBEY" on the construction paper. Have the kids take cheerios and put them on the glue spelling out the word OBEY in cheerios on their paper.
Game
Give the kids 2 minutes to stack the cheerios as tall as they can.
Activity 4 "Off-Lesson Fun Games"
Activity 4 "Off-Lesson Fun Games"
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials needed from the cart:
Varies depending on the game
Get the details by clicking here!
Musical Chairs
Grab the black chairs out of the closet (so that they are lighter to move around) and have the kids play musical chairs!
The 60 second game
This is a great game for settling a group down. Ask everyone to stand up and put their hands behind their back. Tell them they need to silently guess how long one minute is and sit down when they think it’s up. You do need a clock or watch so you can tell when the time is up. This game can be adjusted to a shorter period for younger children, but I’ve been surprised how well it works even with a Kindergarten group.
Cup stack races
Keep a stack of cheap plastic cups in your bag to pull out for a quick game. Two children can race each other in making the highest or biggest pyramid of upside-down cups in one minute.
Heads or tails
If you’ve got a coin handy, this is a quick and easy game that involves no skill. Children need to make their choice before the coin is flipped. They either put their hands on their head or hands on their ‘tails’ to indicate their choice. Those who guessed correctly stay standing, the rest sit down. Play a few rounds until there is a final winner.
Activity 5 "Dance it out"
Activity 5 "Dance it out"
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials needed from the cart (varies based on the game you choose):
christian just dance videos below
If they don't want to play the Christian Just Dance game they can play follow the leader.
Wrap It Up!
Wrap It Up!
**Snacks can be given at this time, if needed**
**Snacks can be given at this time, if needed**
-Come together and sit in a circle to talk about what they learned today. Ask them the same questions that you asked at the beginning of the day. How are their answers different now that they know more? Talk about what they can go home and tell their family. This is also a time they can update their journals (big kids only) or color the pictures (littles).
-Come together and sit in a circle to talk about what they learned today. Ask them the same questions that you asked at the beginning of the day. How are their answers different now that they know more? Talk about what they can go home and tell their family. This is also a time they can update their journals (big kids only) or color the pictures (littles).
-Ask if anyone has a prayer request/praise report. Pray over requests.
-Ask if anyone has a prayer request/praise report. Pray over requests.
-Worship time- Have the kids go find a spot to themselves and have some time with God (play the song below for around 3/5 minutes).
-Worship time- Have the kids go find a spot to themselves and have some time with God (play the song below for around 3/5 minutes).
Worship
Worship
Energy Release!
Energy Release!
Last Minute Filler Ideas
Last Minute Filler Ideas
-Have them gather around the table and draw a picture or write a letter to their families about what they learned today.
-Play a game of some sort. (If you have the hula hoops, have them join hands in a circle and pass the hula hoop around the circle without breaking their hands)
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